Compliance

Sumitomo Corporation Group Compliance Policy

We conduct its business activities based on the compliance guidelines of the Sumitomo Corporation Group. The foundation of Sumitomo Corporation Group’s compliance is to “adhere to laws and regulations and maintain high ethical standards,” thereby earning the trust of society.

Therefore, compliance takes precedence over all business activities. The principle of “Compliance First” means that the company must never prioritize profit over compliance. Additionally, in the event of a compliance issue, the principle of “Immediate Reporting” requires that the situation be promptly reported to supervisors or relevant corporate departments, and the best measures be taken.

Sumitomo Corporation Group Compliance Policy | Sumitomo Corporation

"Immediate Report" and "Speak-Up System"

Our internal rules stipulate and ensure that any issues or potential issues in relation to compliance must be reported immediately to their line manager, including the management level personnel, or to the relevant department of the Corporate Group (Immediate Report). Such issues include not only the violation of antitrust/competition laws or anti-bribery/corruption laws but also workplace misconduct, falsification of accounts, or harassment. Upon occurrence of such issues, we use collective efforts of the relevant departments and promptly take the optimum actions and measures on a case by case basis.

If reporting through the usual reporting line is difficult for some reason, we maintain a “Speak-Up System” available to officers and employees, who face an issue, to report it to the Chief Compliance Officer through an internal or external hotline since March 2003.

Continuous education program initiatives

1. We have established a Compliance Committee within the company to promote compliance. This committee is in charge of setting up systems, conducting awareness and educational activities for all employees, and sharing information.
2. Through the use of self-assessment tools (self-checklists) and media such as the Internal Control Times, we support voluntary improvements on specific compliance issues and concerns. This effort is led by the Internal Control Team in the Corporate Governance Department.